Orrrcr oF THE GovrnNon RICK PERRY GOVßRNOR March 28,2014 The Honorable David Dewhurst Lieutenant Governor State of Texas State Capitol, Room 28J3 Austin, Texas 78701 The Honorable Joe Straus Speaker of the Housç Texas Housç of Representatives P.O. Box 2910 Austin, Texas 78768 Dear Governor Dewhurst and Speaker Straus: Enclosed is a report completed at my request by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This report evaluates the challenges posed by spent nuclear fuel and other high-level radioactive waste (together "HLW") currently stored on-site at the six Texas nuclear reactors. In light of recent developments regarding the intçrim storage and disposal of HLW by the federal government, Texas now faces the very real possibility that it will have to find a solution to the long-term issue of safe and secure handling of this waste. The citizens of Texas and every been betrayed by their federal government other state currently storing radioactive waste - havesolution for HLW disposal, because a after contributing billions,of dollars to fund a federal federal solution still does not exist, Since the U.S. Congress enacted the Nuclear Waste Policy Act in 1982, each state, including Texas, has been assured that the federal government would take possession and provide a disposal solution for any HLV/ generated within its borders. In 1987, the federal government identified Yuçca Mountain in Nevada as being thç ultimate disposal option with a completion date in 1998. After extensive litigation, delays and cost overruns, in2009 President Obama abandoned any further development of Yucca Mountain and Congress çeased all funding in 2011 after more than $15 billion had been spent characterizing and developing the site, Posr OmcB Box 12428 AusrN, Trxes 7871,t (512)463-2000 (Vorcp)/Dt¡t" 7-11 ron R¡uv Srnucns Vrslr vww,T¿x¡.sO¡¡¡,nw.co¡,1 rrn Omo¡r rü'/es SlîE or nn SterB or Tnx¡s The Honorable David Dewhurst The Honorable Joe Straus March 28,2014 PageZ Early in20l3, the U.S. Department of Energy announced thatit was developing a new plan to HLW disposal solution would not be available replace Yucca Mountain - estimating that an until 2048. However, in November2013, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia determined thatthe fçderal government has "no credible plan" to dispose of HLW. 2048, or whatever year Washington forecasts that a solution will be provided, is too long to wait. I believe it is time for Texas to act, particularly since New Mexico is seeking to be federally designated for HLW disposal. The New Mexico proposed site is approximately 50 miles from the Texas border, and we must ensure our citizens are protected. We have no choice but to begin a solution that would allow the looking for a safe and secure solution for HL'W in Texas of Texas to recoup some of the more than $700 million they have paid toward addressing citizens this issue; I hope the enclosed report will be sent to the appropriate oversight committees in your chamber, The leadership at TCEQ understands the importance of this issue, and I believe they will be a valued resource as we continue to develop a Texas solution for the long-term resolution of HLW currently residing inside our borders. Sincerely, lc( Rick Perry Governor RP:mmp Enclosure